Overview
The Rotorua Marathon draws approximately 2,500 finishers each May on a lake road in Rotorua, New Zealand. It is one of New Zealand's most traditional marathons and is closely tied to Rotorua's geothermal identity. The course circles geothermal landscapes, lake roads, and forest-edge sections around Lake Rotorua. Geothermal landscapes and forest-edge sections roll around Lake Rotorua, tying one of New Zealand's most traditional marathons to its volcanic identity.
Rotorua Marathon is a certified 42.195 km (26.2 mile) marathon — the standard World Athletics marathon distance.
Rotorua Marathon 2027 race day
The next Rotorua Marathon is scheduled for Sunday, 2 May 2027 with a 7:00 am start. The certified course covers 42.195 km (26.2 miles) with 150 m of climbing on a rolling with moderate climbs layout.
Rotorua Marathon course route
Starts and finishes in Rotorua near the lakefront event area. The course circles geothermal landscapes, lake roads, and forest-edge sections around Lake Rotorua. Lake-edge rollers and forest approaches shape the middle miles, with lakefront festival crowds at the geothermal finish hub.
Rotorua Marathon elevation profile
The Rotorua Marathon course is rolling with moderate climbs over 42.195 km (26.2 miles). Runners cover 150 metres of climbing and 140 metres of descent, with a net climb of 10 metres from start to finish.
Entry requirements
The Rotorua Marathon uses open online registration at rotoruamarathon.co.nz with no ballot or qualifying time for the general field. Sign-up for the May race typically opens the previous year and places are allocated first-come, first-served. Charity bibs are available through partner organisations when general entry closes.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the Rotorua Marathon elevation profile?
- The Rotorua Marathon has 150 metres of total climbing and 140 metres of descent over 42.195 km (26.2 miles). The course is rolling with moderate climbs, with 10 metres of net climb from start to finish.
- How long is the Rotorua Marathon?
- The Rotorua Marathon is the standard marathon distance of 42.195 kilometres (26.2 miles), certified to World Athletics rules. Lake road starting and finishing in Rotorua near the lakefront event area.
- What time does the Rotorua Marathon start?
- The 2027 Rotorua Marathon starts at 7:00 am local time on Sunday, 2 May 2027. Arrive early for baggage drop and corral access — official race communications on rotoruamarathon.co.nz/ confirm any last-minute schedule changes.
- Where does the Rotorua Marathon start and finish?
- Starts and finishes in Rotorua near the lakefront event area. Updated course maps are published at https://rotoruamarathon.co.nz/ each year.
- When is the Rotorua Marathon and how do I register?
- Rotorua Marathon is typically held in May. Registration opens through https://rotoruamarathon.co.nz/ and may use a lottery or tiered entry when demand exceeds capacity.
- Is the Rotorua Marathon course flat?
- The course includes rolling with moderate climbs. Study the official course profile at https://rotoruamarathon.co.nz/ before setting pace targets.
- What landmarks does the Rotorua Marathon pass?
- The course circles geothermal landscapes, lake roads, and forest-edge sections around Lake Rotorua.
- What weather should runners expect at Rotorua Marathon?
- Usually cool with fresh inland air and possible morning mist.
Last updated 18 July 2026. Edition dates and course details are reviewed regularly.
